A whole team of postal workers have staged a protest in fury over the sacking of a popular postman by Royal Mail just days before Christmas .

The workers at the St Austell Sorting Office on Holmbush Industrial Estate walked out on their break for an 'animated meeting in the street' after learning of the sacking of a colleague on Thursday morning.

A spokesman for the postal workers' union, the CWU, said Royal Mail had decided to turn into the "Christmas Grinch" and blasted the decision to sack the worker as "shockingly inept management".

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Ralph Ferrett, CWU branch secretary, said: "Unfortunately Royal Mail, in a shocking lack of Christmas spirit, decided that yesterday was an appropriate time to dismiss a member of staff under the attendance procedure.

"I think Royal Mail have forgotten the season and decided to be the Christmas Grinch."

Postal workers outside the St Austell sorting office

"The men and women at St Austell delivery office were incredibly unhappy with this decision and had an animated meeting during their break time on the street outside the office," he continued.

"Royal Mail has promised a fast track appeal and the staff have requested an industrial action ballot over the issue. However, the staff will be on delivery today and we expect a normal delivery service.

"I think feelings were running high within the office. It is a case of shockingly inept management from Royal Mail as well as an incredible disregard for the human consequence of their actions and all the members of staff at the office are furious and disgusted at the company."

Royal Mail spokesperson Henry Perry said: “We are aware that some concerns were raised internally at our St Austell Delivery Office and that members of staff used their normal break time to discuss these.

"All staff have worked their normal hours this morning, and our operation in St Austell is continuing as normal today. Any customers who have concerns about their mail should contact our Customer Service team on 03457 740 740.”